No rift in party, says Kumaraswamy on alliance with BJP amid reports of dissent

Amid disgruntlement within the JD(S) over joining hands with the BJP in Karnataka, senior leader HD Kumaraswamy said that the party meeting held on Sunday has unanimously given its approval to the leadership's decision on the alliance.

The former chief minister on Sunday held a meeting with party legislators, former legislators, former ministers, district presidents and leaders at his Bidadi farmhouse near Bengaluru, amid fissures becoming apparent in the past few days.

“Today, everyone has openly and unanimously given their approval to the decision on alliance (with the BJP). I want to make it clear to the people of the state that the alliance is being done in the state, and not for the sake of any power or position,” Kumaraswamy said after the meeting.

Unfazed by criticism

Speaking to reporters, he said, “Let anyone criticise our party in any way they want, ultimately time will decide on the response for it. I have decided not to react to any of those criticisms hereon, as there is no need for it.” According to party sources, JD(S) patriarch and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda also spoke to many party leaders, even personally, regarding the need for the alliance.

Stating that one of the intentions behind the alliance is to protect the interest of the state, Kumaraswamy said that he wants the alliance to win all 28 Lok Sabha seats in the state, whereby a permanent solution can be found to problems with several irrigation projects and long-standing issues concerning Karnataka.

Responding to a question on the Congress trying to lure their disgruntled leaders following its alliance with the BJP, he said all leaders and legislators are united with the party and there is no question of anyone quitting the outfit.

“They (Congress) are now knocking on the door of some former legislators...let them, I’m not bothered. I aim to organise and strengthen the party, and to protect the interest of the state,” he added.

False propaganda

Earlier, speaking at the meeting, Kumaraswamy also appealed to the Muslim community not to heed the “false propaganda” of the Congress against his party, following its alliance with the BJP.

“Our party’s commitment is to protect the interests of the 6.5 crore people of this state. I don't want to appease a community just for the sake of votes. Muslims should understand our commitment to their cause,” he said.

The JD(S) leadership on September 22 announced its decision to ally with the BJP following a meeting between Kumaraswamy and Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP national President JP Nadda in New Delhi. However, both parties are yet to decide on the seat-sharing arrangement for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

Resentment brewing

Several senior Muslim leaders of the JD(S), including former minister NM Nabi, have decided to resign in protest against the party’s decision to join the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

JD(S) state president CM Ibrahim too has expressed his dissatisfaction over the alliance with the BJP, stating that he was not consulted and that he would decide in the days to come on his future course of action.

Ibrahim, a former Union minister, who has not been attending party meetings for the last few days, did not take part in Sunday’s meeting as well. He joined the JD(S) last year, after quitting the Congress and from the MLC post.

When questioned about Ibrahim, Kumaraswamy merely said, “Let’s talk about it later.....” Deve Gowda last week defended the decision of allying with the BJP, stating that it was aimed at saving the party while assuring that he and his political outfit would stick to its secular credentials and never let minorities down.

The ruling Congress has been attacking the JD(S), questioning its secular credentials following its alliance with the BJP.

(With agency inputs)